11 Hobbies People Always Think Are Cheap But Really Aren't

Some hobbies may look affordable at first glance. Maybe you only need a few basic tools or a one-time purchase to get started. But once you're in, extras can pile up fast: upgrades, memberships, materials, and more. What started as a $30 curiosity turns into a $300-a-month habit before you even realize it.

If you've ever underestimated a hobby's hidden costs, you're not alone. Even smart people can fall into these money-wasting habits without realizing it. Here are 11 hobbies that seem cheap but can get expensive fast.

Camping may seem affordable at first: just grab a tent, drive to the campsite, and enjoy the outdoors. But while a basic tent might cost under $100, most campers quickly realize they need more, like sleeping pads, cooking gear, coolers, lanterns, and outdoor-appropriate clothing.

Add in campsite fees, gas, and gear upgrades, and what looked like a low-cost vacation quickly turns into anything but.

Pickleball is often billed as a fun, low-cost way to stay active. All you need is a paddle and a ball, right? But, for those who really get into the game, it's easy to splurge on extras and expensive gear. Paddles can range from $20 to over $200, and premium shoes, court memberships, and tournament fees can quickly add up.

Many people who haven't gardened see it as a way to save money on food. While the long-term savings can add up, you may spend more money gardening than you would just purchasing your produce from your local grocery store.

Gardeners often invest in tools, raised beds, compost, irrigation systems, pest control, and fencing. Even container gardening can require pots, trellises, and special soil blends.

Baking can be an inexpensive hobby. You only really need flour, sugar, and an oven to get started. But once you get serious, the costs can quickly stack up: specialty pans, stand mixers, decorating tools, and high-quality ingredients like vanilla extract or almond flour. 

Precision matters, too. So much so that many bakers invest in thermometers and kitchen scales to get every recipe perfect.

Running is often thought of as one of the most economical ways to exercise — you don't need a gym membership, after all. But specialized running gear isn't cheap.

Quality shoes alone can cost you over $100, and you'll need to replace them every six months if you run quite often. Add in moisture-wicking gear, GPS watches, race entry fees, hydration systems, and injury prevention tools like foam rollers or compression gear, and you're quickly spending hundreds to run around your neighborhood.

Picking up the guitar may seem like it only requires one upfront purchase (of a guitar, of course). Basic acoustic models are inexpensive, too.

However, as your skills progress, so do your needs: electric guitars, amplifiers, effect pedals, and recording equipment can quickly add up. High-quality instruments and accessories often come with hefty price tags. If you decide to take lessons, you can expect to spend even more (even if they're only online).

Photography might start with a smartphone or an entry-level camera, but enthusiasts often find themselves investing in DSLR or mirrorless cameras, multiple lenses, tripods, lighting setups, and editing software.

All of this can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. Editing software often comes with subscription fees, which aren't cheap, either.

Home brewing beer or cider can seem like a cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite beverages. Plus, many kits are relatively affordable.

However, it doesn't take long to realize that to make a good brew, you need tons of gear: larger fermenters, temperature control systems, kegs, and specialty ingredients. Even just purchasing basic ingredients can add up quickly, especially when you're still learning.

Scrapbooking might seem like a low-cost way to preserve memories using basic materials like paper, scissors, and glue. However, there are tons of expensive gear out there that's easy to splurge on, like die-cut machines, embossing kits, and decorative stamps.

Because each page is unique, you can end up spending a lot on a variety of embellishments and kits, sometimes only using one or two things. The cumulative cost of supplies can take a toll on your bank account.

Starting an aquarium may appear straightforward, with the assumption that a tank, water, and a few fish are all you need. 

However, maintaining a healthy aquarium requires a lot of time and money. From investing in filtration systems, heaters, lighting, and water conditioners to decking out the tank with decorations, that doesn't even take into account the maintenance costs, either.

Cycling is often perceived as an economical mode of transportation or exercise, requiring just a bicycle and a helmet. However, enthusiasts frequently invest in high-quality bikes, which can cost thousands of dollars.

Even after purchasing an expensive bike, you'll have to add in specialized clothing and continuous maintenance.

Many hobbies seem affordable at first glance, but they can become surprisingly expensive. It's hard to determine how much a hobby might cost until you throw yourself into it, though.

In fact, a recent survey found that the average person spends $98 per month on their favorite hobby, with some hobbies like making music averaging $174 monthly. Recognizing these hidden costs can help you make informed choices and potentially keep more cash in your wallet.